Dynamic Pool Volume Expansion for Storage Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In storage systems using the logical volume copy function, a capacity shortage in the primary pool volume can lead to a failure in backup copying if the secondary pool volume's capacity cannot be immediately expanded, resulting in data-copy failure and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A storage system and method that anticipates capacity shortages by dynamically expanding both the primary and secondary pool volumes, ensuring that data is stored in multiple copies across both primary and secondary logical volumes, with allocation units managing storage areas to prevent capacity shortages and facilitate concurrent capacity expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the primary pool volume capacity is expanded dynamically, then the primary logical volume can accommodate more data, but the secondary pool volume may run out of capacity during backup copying
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary capacity expansion of the secondary pool volume before backup copying operations. When the primary pool volume needs to expand its capacity, the system proactively expands the secondary pool volume by the same amount, ensuring that sufficient capacity is available for backup copying without waiting until capacity shortages occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a cushioning mechanism where the secondary pool volume is pre-expanded to accommodate future backup copying needs. This beforehand expansion creates a buffer that prevents capacity shortages from causing backup copying failures, thereby cushioning against potential reliability issues.
2Reliability
If the secondary pool volume capacity is expanded immediately, then backup copying can proceed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capacity management where the allocation units automatically monitor and expand pool volumes based on predefined conditions. When the primary pool volume expands, the system automatically triggers the secondary pool volume expansion without requiring manual intervention or complex external coordination, thereby reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the capacity expansion operations of the primary and secondary pool volumes into a coordinated process. The allocation units work together to expand both volumes simultaneously or in sequence, treating them as a unified capacity management system rather than separate independent operations, which simplifies the overall complexity.
3Reliability
If dynamic capacity expansion is implemented for both pool volumes, then data storage reliability is improved, but the allocation management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The allocation units implement feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the capacity status of both primary and secondary pool volumes. When the primary pool volume approaches capacity limits or undergoes expansion, the feedback system automatically triggers corresponding actions in the secondary pool volume, creating a closed-loop management system that maintains reliability while managing complexity through automated responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The allocation units are designed with multi-functional capabilities that allow them to perform multiple tasks: monitoring capacity status, triggering expansions, coordinating between primary and secondary volumes, and managing the allocation processes. This universal design consolidates management functions into single components, reducing the overall complexity of the allocation management system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes a highly reliable storage system and data storage method that can prevent a data copying failure from occurring. If the allocation of a dynamically variable storage area to a primary/secondary logical volume from within that provided by a primary/secondary pool volume results in a storage area shortage in a primary pool volume, the storage system allocates an additional storage area to that primary pool volume from within the storage area provided by a physical volume, and together with this allocation, also allocates an additional storage area to all secondary pool volumes related to that primary pool volume.